his
house might not be exposed to all the violence of the weather and snow
storms, and to prevent the hill crumbling down on his head. The Doctor
in his magisterial capacity declared: "To level the wood to the ground,
would be a disgrace to the whole country, and would probably destroy
the best well; the one beside the church, which is fed by the wood. At
all events, they must be obliged to leave sufficient timber on the side
of the hill, to be a protection to your dwelling, but we have no power
over them. It is a shame and an iniquity, that the owners of woods may
cut them all down as they please. There is a law against it in
progress, but I fear that if it ever passes, it will be, as it too
often is, a case of shutting the stable door when the steed is stolen."

"But Herr Doctor, this iniquity will affect me first of all; can
nothing be done?"

"I scarcely think so. When the burdens were taken off land, I was not a
magistrate, your father-in-law was then the man. It was omitted to
guard the rights of the community, yours included. To be sure, at that
period no one would have built a house where yours now stands, if it
had been supposed that the wood might be entirely felled some day, but
you have no legal right to protection from the wood; make an
application, however, to the commissioners; I will give you a letter to
them, perhaps they may be able to assist you."

Lenz felt sadly dejected; he could scarcely stir from the spot, but he
dared not make any delay, or think of the law expenses. He took a
carriage, and drove to the next town.

In the meanwhile an almost forgotten person appeared at the
Morgenhalde, and in the gayest attire too. It was cousin Ernestine, the
grocer's wife, from the next town, who had so excited Annele's spite
the first time she drove out with Lenz. She came to visit Annele in a
new silk dress, and a handsome gold watch hanging at her side. She said
she had been in the village, having some money to place in the savings'
bank; they were, thank God! doing well; her husband carried on a
flourishing business, as a house and land agent, and also a pretty
brisk trade in rags; he was also agent for a Fire and Hail Insurance
Office, and on the lives of men and animals, the finely printed cards
of which, were hanging in every shop; that brought a considerable sum,
without incurring any risk, and having come in this direction to
collect arrears, she could not be so near without calling to see
Anne